MiniDSP IL-DSP Headphone amplifier

[HooStat]

Has anyone used this? What kind of headphone specs would you want to see to be sure it would play well with this (i.e., impedance, sensitivity)? I have some IEMs and am looking at some regular headphones and was curious as to whether I could play with EQ with these and still get good sound quality. The plus is that I can also use the mic for Zoom meetings.

https://www.minidsp.com/products/plate-amplifiers/il-dsp-headphone-amp

 

[samysound]

Curious about this as well. Found a few measurements linked in this review:
https://www.soundstagesolo.com/inde...il-dsp-dac-headphone-amplifier?comment_id=378

 

[daftcombo]

Problem is 30 mW power is rather poor. So with EQ..

 

[bobbooo]

Unfortunately this device seems to have issues with incorrect implementation of the EQ filters which can lead to clipping, and bizarrely for a mobile device it has no app so you have to connect it to a PC to make any changes to the EQ, which severely limits its utility. A better portable device with parametric hardware EQ, controllable via an app, optional LDAC Bluetooth connectivity, and much higher output (up to 4V balanced) would be the Qudelix 5K.

 

[HooStat]

Wow. That device looks great! I just bought an RME ADI DAC, but will get that too and play around with it. It might work great with my IEM for conference calls, and for travel!

 

[A Surfer]

30mW is not adequate for most headphones unless you listen at fairly modest volumes levels, IMO.

 

[samysound]

Has anyone used this? What kind of headphone specs would you want to see to be sure it would play well with this (i.e., impedance, sensitivity)? I have some IEMs and am looking at some regular headphones and was curious as to whether I could play with EQ with these and still get good sound quality. The plus is that I can also use the mic for Zoom meetings.

https://www.minidsp.com/products/plate-amplifiers/il-dsp-headphone-amp

no mic but the more sufficient power output, better processing and nicer DAC
https://www.minidsp.com/products/plate-amplifiers/ha-dsp-headphone-amp
also triple the cost...

 

[Cahudson42]

If the Qudelix does not have enough oomph, as to me seems the case with my (unbalanced) HE400i, I add my NX3s ($70). Not quite as good as my Liquid Spark, but still pocketable. Chain:

LG Rebel TracFone ($29) >OTG USB 3-wire powered cable>Qudelix>NX3s>HE400i

Using Oratory 1990 Harmon PEQ for the HE400i, sounds decent to me. Qudelix app on LG Rebel, simultaneously active to control Qudelix via bt. (No android app for IL-DSP rules it out for me.)

 

[AnalogSteph]

Unfortunately this device seems to have issues with incorrect implementation of the EQ filters which can lead to clipping,

No pre-gain setting? That would be a bit inconvenient for use on a mobile device in particular. Seems a bit of a silly oversight - hopefully this could be added with a firmware update.

 

[Bugal1998]

Has anyone used this? What kind of headphone specs would you want to see to be sure it would play well with this (i.e., impedance, sensitivity)? I have some IEMs and am looking at some regular headphones and was curious as to whether I could play with EQ with these and still get good sound quality. The plus is that I can also use the mic for Zoom meetings.

https://www.minidsp.com/products/plate-amplifiers/il-dsp-headphone-amp

I bought one a couple of months ago when I was headphone shopping... I've only used it once, because I settled on the Hd800s which the IL DSP amp can't power. I just need time to list it and it will be up for sale. I have no idea how it would perform with less power hungry headphones or IEMs.

 

[bobbooo]

No pre-gain setting? That would be a bit inconvenient for use on a mobile device in particular. Seems a bit of a silly oversight - hopefully this could be added with a firmware update.

Doesn't seem so, but it looks like it even digitally clips when the total EQ curve is at (and below) 0 dB.

 

[xykreinov]

Unfortunately this device seems to have issues with incorrect implementation of the EQ filters which can lead to clipping, and bizarrely for a mobile device it has no app so you have to connect it to a PC to make any changes to the EQ, which severely limits its utility. A better portable device with parametric hardware EQ, controllable via an app, optional LDAC Bluetooth connectivity, and much higher output (up to 4V balanced) would be the Qudelix 5K.

Would you still say this is the best portable option in regards to hardware PEQ?

 

[sunnyboy]

Unfortunately this device seems to have issues with incorrect implementation of the EQ filters which can lead to clipping, and bizarrely for a mobile device it has no app so you have to connect it to a PC to make any changes to the EQ, which severely limits its utility. A better portable device with parametric hardware EQ, controllable via an app, optional LDAC Bluetooth connectivity, and much higher output (up to 4V balanced) would be the Qudelix 5K.

Is there any test evidence that EQ problems lead to clipping?

 

[staticV3]

Measured here: https://www.l7audiolab.com/f/measurements-of-minidsp-il-dsp-headphone-amplifier-equalizer/

 

[jss]

I think the IL-DSP is quite a niche product but it works for me
My use case is (desktop): Mac - iSilencer - IL-DSP - ALO National - HPs
I load diff EQs to IL-DSP when using diff HPs
So far so good and been enjoying the music (and the setup)